Today’s official opening of a new 96-bed block at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), while welcome, does not negate the need for a new Model 3 hospital in the Mid-West region, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice.
Deputy Rice, who is the party’s spokesperson on health, said:
“I was honoured to attend the opening of this much-needed block in UHL this morning. This a very welcome addition to the country’s most overcrowded hospital, which is in desperate need of increased capacity.
“While these extra beds will help reduce overcrowding and improve patient safety, it only scratches the surface of what is needed in the Mid-West region.
“Despite the best efforts of staff, the ongoing shortage of beds continues to compromise patient care and safety at UHL.
“New ESRI data shows that by 2040, the region will need between 299 (36 per cent increase) and 593 (71 per cent increase) extra beds.
“Recent investment in UHL has delivered 128 additional inpatient beds since last December, with a further 96 beds in planning.
“According to HIQA, these 224 beds would put UHL on par with the current bed numbers in other Model 4 hospitals, relative to demand.
“However, the earliest the next 96 beds are expected to be delivered is 2029, by which time demand will have increased further.
“Greater urgency and real political will is required to cope with these challenges, otherwise the Mid-West will be playing catch up for years to come.
“That is why, along with increasing capacity at UHL, the Minister for Health must get ahead of this entirely predictable problem and commit to a Model 3 hospital for the Mid-West.
“The people of this region have waited far too long already. Planning for a new hospital should begin now, before more years pass and further lives are lost.
“We have the projections and we know which way the demographics are headed, so there is simply no excuse for dithering.
“To not move forward with a Model 3 hospital would be to abandon the region, and its people.”
October 13, 2025